Method of making an adjustable ring



April 19, 1966 A. PASQUALE METHOD OF MAKING AN ADJUSTABLE RING Filed June 12, 1963 22 F I 6. 5g

INVENTOR. PASQUALE ARTHUR ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,246,338 METHOD OF MAKING AN ADJUSTABLE RING Arthur Pasquale, Cranston, RJ. (109 Summer St., Providence, R.I.) Filed June 12, 1963, Ser. No. 287,352 16 Claims. (Cl. 29-160.6)

My present invention relates to the jewelry art and more particularly to a novel construction of an adjustable finger ring and a novel method of making the same.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a finger ring which is'adjustable to the finger and is manufactured and assembled from a minimum number of parts.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of making the same resulting in a minimum number of parts.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of manufacture of an adjustable finger ring which reduces assembly costs and permits rapid manufacture and assembly.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable finger ring which is much stronger and more pleasing in appearance than similar rings.

With the above and other objects and advantageous features in view, my invention consists of a novel arrangement of parts, more fully disclosed in the detailed description following in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and more particularly defined in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank showing the first step in the manufacture of the adjustable ring of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the blank in FIG. 1 showing the second step in which the sides are drawn.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the additional steps of shaping the ends and rolling the sides.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the next step which is the bending of the blank into its U-shape.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the blank shown in FIG. 4 showing the soldering step.

FIG. 5a is an enlarged perspective view showing an alternative fastening method to the soldering shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the finished ring base.

FIG. 7 is a transverse section through the ring structure shown in FIG. 6.

Adjustable finger rings have heretofore been manufactured in the jewelry art. Most of these rings are very cheaply made, the simplest form comprising a split ring which can be bent to conform to the size of the finger.

The present invention deals with a different type of adjust able ring in which the stone mount and the shoulder portion are made to conform to more expensive ring structures and the rear portion of the band is made to telescope into the front portion to provide the adjustable feature. Friction means are also supplied to hold the adjustment. Such constructions have not become too popular because the parts are difiicult to manufacture and assemble and the final cost of the ring is rather high. A typical ring of this type is made in four parts and the cost of assembly and final finishing makes the retail price of the ring prohibitive. The present invention is designed to provide a novel method of manufacture which produces the ornamental portion of the ring carrying the stone or other ornament in a single unitary piece. The band can then be made to slide within this single piece so that the entire structure comprises two easily assembled pieces. This method of manufacture and assembly completely alters the method of manufacture and assembly heretofore in existence and produces a strong unitary structure which is much cheaper to manufacture and assemble.

Referring more in detail to the drawings illustrating my invention, FIG. 1 shows the first or initial step in the manufacture of the ring. A piece of metal is stamped to form the blank 10 having an oval central stone mounting portion 11 and two oppositely disposed side wing portions 12. The wing portions 12 are formed with a central groove 13 and fiat wing sections 14. The wing portions 12 are wider adjacent the central portion 11 and taper to a narrower outer end with side slots 15 cut in adjacent the end as shown in FIG. 1. If it is desired to mount other types of ornaments, the central portion 11 can be cut out during the stamping operation to produce a central opening. However, if astone mount is to be soldered or otherwise attachedto the ring base, then the portion 11 is formed solidly as illustrated.

The second step of the process is illustrated in FIG. 2. Here the blank 10 is, drawn so that the side portions 12 now form channels 16. This is accomplished by bending the fiat wing portions 14 upwardly into parallel position or extending from the side edges of the groove or channel portion 13.

The next step of the operation is illustrated in FIG. 3. In this step the ends extending from the slots 15 out wardly are bumped to form an enlarged end section 17 and the wing portions 14 are now bent toward each other to close the side wings into a hollow tubular form at 18. Note that the ends of the tubes at the inner portions 19 are open and that the side walls at the enlarged bumped ends 17 are still in raised parallel position.

The next step of the operation is shown. in FIG. 4.

The tubular side portions 18 are now bent towards each other into a U-shape to form the spaced U-shaped arms extending from each side edge of the central portion 11.

FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred form. of the next step of the operation. adjustment that the arms 18 be maintained in exact position. To this end the arms are now soldered at 20' to the outer edge of the central portion 11. An alternative method of locking the arms in the position shown in The final assembly operation comprises the insertion of a small block of rubber or neoprene 24 into each end portion 17 and the arms of the end portion are then bent over to close the neoprene 24 in position. The neoprene acts as a friction holding element in the manner common to this art. The back of the ring'comprises a member 25 having a curved portion and two spaced parallel arms 26 which ride in and out of the portions 18 past the friction grip of the neoprene 24. This is inserted as the last step of the assembly. The outeror inner ends of the arms 26 are provided with slightly enlarged portions 27 to lock them in position and resist withdrawal.

The finished ring construction illustrated in FIG. 6 can now be used as a base for mounting stones or other ornamental portions in any part of the ring. The above' described method of forming and assembling the ring base thus results in a unitary one piece construction in the front ornament-a1 portion of the ring into which the round ring portion is slidably mounted to produce the adjustment. The resultant ring is strong and of course It is essential for the operation of the This is assembled automatically and is far superior than the conventional rings made in a plurality of parts. Other advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, fastening the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-shaped position, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

2. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, Soldering the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-shaped position, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

3. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, the inner edges of said side members having tabs, said central portions having slots, said tabs entering said slots during the bending operation, vbending said tabs in said slots to lock said side members in U-shaped position, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

4. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, the outer ends of said hollow side members having enlarged portions, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, fastening the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-shaped position, placing a friction block into the enlarged ends of said side portions, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

5. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, folding the edge of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, the outer ends of said hollow side members having enlarged portion, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, soldering the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-shaped position, placing a, friction block into the enlarged ends of said side portions, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

6. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, the outer ends of said hollow side members having enlarged portions, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, the inner edges of said side members having tabs, said central portion having slots, said tabs entering said slots during the bending operation, bending said tabs in said slots to lock said side members in U-shaped position, placing a friction block into the enlarged ends of said side portions, and pushing the arms of a preformed U- shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

7. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, said side portions being formed wider at their free ends and narrower adjacent said central portion and a U-shaped groove extending longitudinally of each side portion, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, fastening the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-sh-aped position, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

8. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, said side portions being formed wider at their free ends and narrower adjacent said central portion and a U-shaped groove extending longitudinally of each side portion, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, bending said side members at approximately right angles tosaid central portion to form a U-shaped base, soldering the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-shaped position, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base. i

9. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, said side portions being formed wider at their free ends and narrower adjacent said central portion and a U-shaped groove extending longitudinally of each side portion, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, the inner edges of said side members having tabs, said central portion having slots, said tab entering said slots during the bending operation, bending said tabs in said slots to lock said side members in U-shaped position, and push ing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

10. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, said side portions being formed wider at their free ends and narrower adjacent said central portion and a U-shaped groove extending longitudinally of each side portion, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, the

outer ends of said hollow side members having enlarged portions, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, fastening the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-shaped position, placing a friction block into the enlarged ends of said side portions, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

11. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, said side portions being formed wider at their free ends and narrower adjacent said central portion and a U-shaped groove extending longitudinally of each side portion, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, the outer ends of said hollow side members having enlarged portions, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, soldering the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-shaped position, placing a friction block into the enlarged ends of said side portions, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member int-o said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

12. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, said side portions being formed Wider at their free ends and narrower adjacent said central portion and a U-shaped groove extending longitudinally of each side portion, folding the edges of said side port-ions into parallel relation on each side of said groove to form a U-shaped channel formation, folding the edges of said side portion-s toward each other to form hollow side members, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a Ushaped base, fastening the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-shaped position, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

13. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from' sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, said side portions being formed wider at their free ends and narrower adjacent said central portion and a U-shaped groove extending longitudinally of each side portion, folding the edges of said side portions into parallel relation on each side of said groove to form a U- shaped channel formation, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, soldering the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-shaped position, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

14. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, said side portions being formed wider at their free ends and narrower adjacent said central portion and a U-shaped groove extending longitudinally of each side portion, folding the edges of said side portions into parallel relation on each side of said groove to form a U-shaped channel formation, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, the inner edges of said side members having tabs, said central portion having slots, said tabs entering said slots during the bending operation, bending said tabs in said slots to lock said side members in U-shaped position, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

15. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, said side portions being formed wider at their free ends and narrower adjacent said central portion and a U-shaped groove extending longitudinally of each side portion, folding the edges of said side portions into parallel relation on each side of said groove to form a U- shaped channel formation, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, the outer ends of said hollow side members having enlarged portions, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U- shaped base, fastening the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-shaped position, placing a friction block into the enlarged ends of said side portions, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

16. The method of forming an adjustable ring base comprising the steps of stamping a blank from sheet stock to form a central gem receiving portion and two side portions extending integrally from opposite sides of said central portion, said side portions being formed wider at their free ends and narrower adjacent said central portion and a U-shaped groove extending longitudinally of each side portion, folding the edges of said side portions into parallel relation on each side of said groove to form a U-shaped channel formation, folding the edges of said side portions toward each other to form hollow side members, the outer ends of said hollow side members having enlarged portions, bending said side members at approximately right angles to said central portion to form a U-shaped base, soldering the inner edges of said side members to said central portion to lock said side members in U-shaped position, placing a friction block into the enlarged ends of said side portions, and pushing the arms of a preformed U-shaped member into said hollow side members to form an adjustable ring base.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,146,272 2/1939 Skoog 63-1565 2,712,173 7/1955 Denner 29160.6 2,902,749 9/1959 Manne 29160.6 2,961,855 11/1960 Newman 6315.65

WHITMORE A. WILTZ, Primary Examiner.

RICHARD C. PINKHAM, THOMAS H. EAGER,

Examiners.

F. B. SHAY, Assistant Examiner. 

1. THE METHOD OF FORMING AN ADJUSTABLE RING BASE COMPRISING THE STEPS OF STAMPING A BLANK FROM SHEET STOCK TO FORM A CENTRAL GEM RECEIVING PORTION AND TWO SIDE PORTIONS EXTENDING INTEGRALLY FROM OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID CENTRAL PORTION, FOLDING THE EDGES OF SAID SIDE PORTIONS TOWARD EACH OTHER TO FORM HOLLOW SIDE MEMBERS, BENDING SAID SIDE MEMBERS AT APPROXIMATELY RIGHT ANGLES TO SAID CENTRAL PORTION TO FORM A U-SHAPED BASE, FASTENING THE INNER EDGES OF SAID SIDE MEMBERS TO SAID CENTRAL PORTION TO LOCK SAID SIDE MEMBERS IN U-SHAPED POSITION, AND PUSHING THE ARMS OF A PREFORMED U-SHAPED MEMBER INTO SAID HOLLOW SIDE MEMBERS TO FORM AN ADJUSTABLERING BASE. 